Donald Trump seals the deal at Turnberry

Donald Trump plans to turn Turnberry Hotel and golf courses into the "greatest resort in the world"

Donald Trump flew into turnberry this week to personally announce plans for his major investment at the famous Turnberry Hotel and golf course.

The US tycoon has pledged to spend a minimum of £100m to enhance the five-star hotel with the resort also being renamed Trump Turnberry and wrapped into the property developer’s expanding portfolio of luxury golfing destinations around the world.

The Trump Organisation, which will own and manage Turnberry, also revealed it has retained the services of golf architect, Martin Ebert, amid plans to alter the famous course.

After completing the purchase of the resort for an undisclosed sum from the Dubai-based group, Leisurecorp, Mr Trump said he was determined to make Turnberry “the finest resort of its kind anywhere in the world.”

Mr Trump said: “I am honoured to own and manage this magnificent property, perhaps the most exciting property there is. We will be spending a great deal of time, effort and money to make Trump Turnberry the finest resort of its kind anywhere in the world.

“I would like to thank Starwood Hotels & Resorts for working with us, in the best interest of property, to bring about this historic acquisition.”

The hotel will be included in the Luxury Collection brand as part of a franchise agreement with Starwood.

Mr Trump added: “I would also like to thank all representatives in South Ayrshire for their support and wonderful statements to the media.”

On a visit to Scotland last month, the businessman did not reveal the price tag he had met to secure Turnberry, only saying that he had paid ‘’a lot’.” The purchase brings the number of golf resorts owned by the property magnate to 17.

Last month, Mr Trump said he would be making “tweaks” to the course as opposed to a full-scale redesign. He also said he will not be making any changes to Turnberry without the approval of the R&A.

“It’s going to be spectacular. It’s rated the number one course in the world and we’re going to be working with the Royal & Ancient on certain things that are going to be even more spectacular,” he explained.

Turnberry, the first purpose-planned golfing resort in Britain, has hosted the Open Championship four times, most recently in 2009.

It was the setting for the famous 1977 Duel in the Sun where Tom Watson triumphed over Jack Nicklaus in what is regarded as one of the most famous golf matches of all time.

Look out for a special report by Ewan McQueen of Mr Trump’s visit to Turnberry in next week’s Carrick Gazette.